Around Town: Get prepared for hurricane season while there is still time

Citizen Contributor,DONNA FIALA

12:16 PM, May 21, 2013

Hurricane season is approaching again, so this is a friendly reminder to begin to prepare. Each year I write a little in my column about being prepared just in case. God has blessed us these past few years, but there is no harm in preparing and then recycling after we get through it unscathed.

I’ve already begun to wash, sterilize and fill my five-gallon water jugs for the upcoming summer, carefully putting tops firmly in place and keeping the jugs out of the sun to slow any algae growth over a six-month period. I use this water for household use in case of a hurricane, such as bathing, washing dishes, flushing toilets, etc. In June I will buy eight fresh gallons of water to keep in the house as drinking and cooking water in case they are needed.

It is also time to check all your batteries and flashlights to make sure they are fresh and useful, and then putting them, matches and candles in one place easy to access in case the electricity goes out at night and you need to find them quickly.

It’s also time to shop for food supplies that do not need much cooking, in case there is no power for a few days (like during Hurricane Wilma when we, in Lakewood, were out of water and electricity for five days), such as tuna fish, chipped beef, etc.

I try to get everything in place just in case we have something coming at us, so that I can close our place up without worrying about food or supplies when everyone else is cleaning off the shelves in the stores. Also, I fill up my three gasoline cans with fresh fuel for the car and generator and test my generator to make sure all is in working order.

If my family in Golden Gate Estates, North Naples or the city of Naples finds a storm coming at them, then everyone heads to Mom’s house for shelter and supplies! When the season passes and we are nice and safe and sound I donate the food to Catholic Charities, use the fuel in my car, pour the water from the five-gallon jugs into my pool during dry season, and life goes on as usual.

Don’t be caught short. It never hurts to be prepared. Who knows? Maybe it’s like an umbrella — when you carry one it doesn’t rain. I hope my preparation steers a storm out to sea instead of toward us, but if not...we’re prepared!

Just a note: Historically the months of June, July and August are the deadliest months of the year for lightning strikes in South Florida. (I was surprised to learn that lightning doesn’t strike in Alaska!) June is National Lightening Safety Awareness Month. Learn and protect yourself.

I’ll never forget one year when I worked at the Marriott on Marco Island, some of our employees went to a beach in the northern part of our county, and while lying on their beach chairs, a freak storm came up and hit two of the three people before they could even seek shelter. Always keep a watchful eye and follow safety precautions.

Congratulations to Collier County Emergency Medical Services (EMS)! State inspectors gave excellent marks and found no deficiencies during a recent announced inspection. Way to go, everyone!

Also, at the last Collier County Commission meeting, county EMS and fire department staff were awarded Phoenix Awards for bringing people back to life during a near death incident. This is teamwork at its finest! These outstanding employees of county government are a credit to our community and we are all so proud of them. There are many heroes walking among us and we are so glad they are there!